Thursday, May 29, 2008

It's been more than a week since my last post and I've received many comments asking me to create a new post. I guess I'll just be typing up random thoughts that have been lingering in my head lately. So pardon the 'informality' of this post.

We're still in L.A. for the final week of training and I have to say that, overall, it has been a very productive trip for the team in terms of skills training and bonding with one another. Despite the hectic training schedule, we were able to spare one whole Sunday to visit Universal Studios. I was hoping to see some Hollywood celebrities in the area but the closest thing we saw was the house of Eva Longoria along Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives, which happens to be located inside the Universal City. I've been to Universal Studios maybe 4 times in my life already and until now I always look forward to riding the Jurassic Park ride which is similar to our log jam in Enchanted Kingdom with one long steep drop at the end of the ride that seems to last forever. That's my favorite! But that's the furthest I will go when it comes to rides. I admit that I despise daring theme park rides, especially roller coasters or rides that have jerky movements because I have quite a sensitive case of motion sickness. Most of the time, I become the 'safekeeper' of belongings of my teammates or friends when they decide to hop on such rides while calling me a 'KJ'. For me, that's perfectly fine. I wouldn't wanna ruin my entire day by having to walk around dizzy and light headed. Nevertheless, I enjoy visiting such theme parks because of its friendly ambience.

The next day, training lasted only a half-day because it was Memorial Day so we decided to make the most of our day by driving North for at least an hour to reach the closest outlet mall in Camarillo to get the best deals. That's how desperate we were! It was worth the drive. They had great shops like Gap, Polo, Aeropostale, Sony, Coach, Hugo Boss, etc. The 5 hours zoomed by so quickly without us realizing that it was already 8:00 pm because the sun was just about to set. Most of us carried lots of shopping bags on the way home. I bought two pairs of shoes only because I was able to get it for like 30% OF its original price (not 30% OFF). I initially decided to get only one pair but since it was Memorial Day Sale and it was a really fantastic deal so i decided to get another pair. Actually, I am pretty stingy or 'kuripot' when it comes to spending money. I like to save and save and save or invest. Very typical Chinese. I almost never shop in Manila. But I believe that if it's something that we really really want, then it's okay to spend once in a while since we have to enjoy life also and pamper ourselves from time to time. BUT, that is as long as you work extremely hard when it's time to work. However, one thing I do not scrimp on is food. I love eating delicious food, especially Chinese and Japanese food. I guess I got accustomed to it because of my dad, who does not mind spending for good food to satisfy our stomachs. Especially when there are guests around, there should never be a shortage of food! Very typical Chinese mentality too.

I mentioned about seeing celebrities in Hollywood earlier, well apparently, two of my teammates will have the privilege of catching Kobe, Odom, Gasol, Duncan, Parker and Ginobli in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center. The team was given only two tickets and we had to decide who will be lucky enough to be in that world-class arena together with stars like Jack Nicholson, Eva Longoria, etc. I'd love to step foot in that wild arena to catch a Laker playoff game, one of the NBA's greatest franchises, not to mention that I am a recent Kobe fan. Finally, we did so by having a 'half court shootout' (shooting the ball from half court). And coincidentally, the lucky winners are the first and last shooters, Kirk Long and Zags Gonzaga (our rookie from Ateneo High). For Kirk, I guess it's a perfect reward for being our designated driver here in L.A. for the past week. For Zags, earning his spot in Team A, through pure hard work and dedication after a year in Team B surely has its perks. Even if their seats tomorrow will give them an 'ant size' view of Kobe and the gang, I'm sure the experience will be incomparable! ... I'd still rather watch a Jay Chou concert live. Haha!

P.S. One of my greatest dreams is to watch a Michael Jordan game live, or even just see him in person. I guess the first one will be impossible to achieve and I'm still quite waiting for the latter.

hi chris I'm one of your avid fans because of your personality actually I admire you. When I saw you play in'Kakasa ka ba sa Grade 5' you made me realized that, oh never mind.But I'm looking forward to see you in person. Well, goodluck this upcoming UAAP season hope you'll bring the championship title back to Ateneo.Take care God Bless.

Hey Chris! Will the team be back by June 7 for the game against La Salle? Sounds like the team is well prepared and we are all very eager to watch the game! You guys should try going to Gilroy outlets when you visit the U.S. again. It's a a couple of hours away from the city of San Francisco. There's a wide variety of shops and you're bound to find something you like. Anyway, it's great to hear from you again! ONE BIG FIGHT!

hi Chris! im so happy to read another entry from you...you dont have to be so formal in your entries though..we're already delighted to hear from you. looks like you had a great time in LA...and i envy your teammates who'll be watching that Laker game..aaaarrrggghhh...i cried loads of tears when i saw Kobe at The Fort...

Personally, I like the random posts better. Oh and if ever you pass by East Coast in one of your trips to the States, you could try Michael Jordan's steak house in Chicago. I hear he has one in NYC too. He frequents them a lot since he's serious about his restaurant business. Very chinese mentality, don't you think?:) When are you going back to finance again? I hear you're not quite sure if you're going to pursue banking and that's sad:( I feel you'll do very well in finance. Neverthless, I wish you success in whatever you do.

Hopefully in the next UAAP season, your team won't have Jay Chou's Eliminated as its song of the year:P Good luck!

And yes, it’s alright to spend to something (especially when it comes to food and health) as long as we really like and want it. But we need to keep in mind that we must spend wisely. It’s not easy to earn money. Investing in to real estate is a good deal. We need to unwind and treat ourselves once in a while. Or else we’ll be worn out. A Jay Chou concert is a great idea to chill out. hehe…=) Enjoy life!

Hey, yes we will be back in time to play La Salle for the Fil-Oil tournament on June 7. Camarillo Outlet Mall is the place, around 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Torrance, L.A. without traffic. Thanks for the tip on the Jordan steakhouse! Will try that if I ever go to Chicago.

Super fan.. We're the same.! If you have yer dream of meeting Michael Jordan in person, well, I'm dreaming of meeting the entire ADMU Blue Eagles in person.! Hahaha. I had a chance of meeting LA Tenorio in one of their game for a cause in our church, but a humble autograph is all I've got. ;C

Hello, thank you very much for all your comments and for all your support. It is always a pleasure reading what you guys have to say. Yes, Coach Norman is still our head coach and I'm very delighted that he is still our coach this year. The Nike league is still on-going and we will be having more games when we get back.

Glad to hear that you guys had learned a lot from this trip! I hope that you would be able to apply these in your future games and bring back the championship to Ateneo! I pray that spending time and having fun as a team would also strengthen and enhance your team spirit! We will all be looking forward for next UAAP season! As for me, one of my greatest dreams is to be able to watch even just a single live game of the Ateneo Blue Eagles! That would REALLY be enough. God bless everyone!!!

what a very nice entry! t'was great reading it because you were very actually having fun... i must admit i'm kind of used to a more 'serious' you. hehe. so i do hope you keep on writing posts like this... it's really good to see you in another light. :)

hei chris..... i just saw pinoy records which i think is the first episode of your combination with manny... was it??? the episode which you both wore white shirts??it was awesome....

your entry was interesting. kirk and zags are so lucky to see a NBA game LIVE and FREE.... and its not just an ordinary game...im looking forward to see zags play... i have heard he's one of the rookies. am i right??? about your game this coming june 7 i would like to ask in what channel i can watch it??? coz' i'm an avid fan of yours from cebu.... so unfortunately i can't watch your game live..... but i am hoping that someday i can watch an ateneo and la salle game....but it would be better to see you play with them... i'll be wating for your reply.... mre power to the team especially the captain....

so hows your training in US?? by the way, i think that your first game will be this coming thursday on nike summer league (am i right?).. your opponent will be Mapua.. they beat Adamson on a knockout game to meet you on the quarterfinals.. I would like to watch that game and see the improvement of the team after the training.. actually, I saw the game of San BEDA and i saw an improvement in their game, especially on Escobal, Menor, lanete, pascual, tecson and hermida,, they are still undefeated both in nike and Filoil.. Hope to see you play well..

By the way off the topic in your training and UAAP, i know this is not one of your priority right now, but what is yout comment or any insights about the news that after Harbour made their 5th championship in the PBL, to make in 6th in a row, MR Mikee Romero wants yoU, MR. Chris TIU to play for Harbour in the next conference to fill the shoes of the players of Harbour whose making to the PBA.. (i just wanted to see you and TY play on the same team again..)

that's very understandable for a person like you who's Chinese, to be thrifty enough to save well.. hehe..well, good for Kirk and Zags, at least it's the enjoyment that they will feel when they watch the game..

Thank you so much for answering, Kuya Chris.? I hope I can call you that.. Hahaha.

Although I want to see my name spelled and typed by you. Naks.. Hahaha. I even told my friend that YOU, CHRIS TIU is actually talking to us. Thanks for being so accomodating.

Can you just hug JC Intal for me if ever you'll see him again. Hahaha. No malice involved.. Hahaha.

[About Coach Norman Black, I forgot the season but your game against UST.? Game 1 of the Finals, when there was less than a second remaining and still Doug Kramer managed to get a basket.. That made me FLY.. From that day on, I started to praise Coach Norman Black. Hahaha. Nice play. ;)]

Too sad I won't be able to comment on your upcoming posts, gonna be very busy for school.. Godbless, Chris.!

Hi Chris! I watched your games against the Green Archers last season. I noticed that you play with your tongue whenever you are going to shoot on the free-throw line. Is that a habit or something?? Just curious.

Good luck and God bless always. I will be cheering for you in the upcoming UAAP season 71. ONE BIG FIGHT!

hello!i am one of those who really enjoyed this post! it seems like i was talking to you personally in a very casual and friendly manner. i really feel for you with regards to rides, i never attempt to ride on the space shuttle ride at the EK because i am definitely sure that it would be a disaster! but i enjoyed the anchor's away ride that i even ride on it several times! (whoah!) it's nice to know that you've enjoyed the training! just enjoy things out and don't be too pressured on the upcoming UAAP, your team's hardwork, determination and faith would put you where you belong! (as Champions! hope your team have it this season!) you are MR. PRAKTIKAL din pla no?! i'm with you with such thinking! hahahaha my friends and family keep on teasing me as "Ms. T" as in Ms. Tikoy kasi makunat raw ako! before i got irritated whenever they say such thing on me but now, i'm very much used to it and i don't think about it anymore coz that kind of attitude is very beneficial to me and to my family. i don't mind spending for good food for myself and for my family and for whatever that would make me feel pampered but still maintain within the budget (like watching PBA and UAAP games live, hahahaha).

i hope to read posts regarding the upcoming NBA finals between the Celtics and the Lakers!

Take care always! stay cool and nice!enjoy everyday and all the blessings! God bless!

hello chris, i just want to ask when will be the quarterfinals showdown oF ADMU vs MAPUA in NIke Summer league? will it be on this coming sunday or thursday? i was confuse because according in Studio 23, your GAME will be on thurs, but according to the lastest news in the website of NIke league, it will be on Sunday.. so i think the only person who could answer this, is the person who would going to play... So good luck to the two upcoming game this week, (FIL OIL AND NIKE SUMMER LEAGUE) i hope you play your best and i hope fatigue won't creep to all of you during that game.. so good luck and ONE BIG FIGHT,,,

is it true that harbour center is considering you play for them?.. that would really be exciting to see you and ty tang play in the same team (if ever!) in pbl.. imagine the team captain of rival schools in uaap basketball play together.. (again!) since your high school days.. kudos to admu.. i'll be glad to see you again play this season.. we all pray you take home the glory.. =)

wazzup! it's gud to know u now have ur own blog. By the way, just want u to know that i'm 1 of ur #1 fan in the world...heheh...

I love reading all ur entries. it makes me smile to know those stuffs about u. basta! i'm already excited to watch u guys play again this coming season. hope ur team will win the championship! beat la salle!!! heheh...gud luck to all of u and keep in touch... :)

Hi! Mr. Tiu, its fun reading your entry, and it's nice to know that even You have a dream of seeing a well-known person, it just show that apart of being a celebrity/basketball cager you're still a typical individual that has an aspiration for something. I watched you & manny together in Pinoy Records its "cute" honestly.And your really into music huh?!because your singing in karaoke?! I wonder what you would sound like?.just kidding.Godbless, And always be grounded!Keep on Posting Mr. tiu.

yah.. study comes first above anything else. well, just the thought of you playing in the pbl is really something for us who's looking forward for it to happen.. you know.. hehe.. =)we know that zion laterre and claiford arao are not playing anymore, so as ken baraccoso.. so, how many new members made it to Team A this season?..

by the way, hope your sprain injury won't bother you at all so you could play well on june 7.. =)

Hi guys, yes i did sprain my ankle in the states but nothing serious. I'll be fine for the game on Saturday. I'm just surprised how you guys heard about this.

Harbour has asked me a couple of times in the past to join them but the difficult part is that I will have to go through the PBL draft first and see who gets to pick me because I haven't joined the draft yet. They are indeed a great franchise but other teams have also been inviting me to join them so we'll have to see what happens.

Oh my! You went to Camarillo?! I know that place and been to the outlets as well! If I only knew that you and your whole team would go to LA, I would have moved to CA last month! Haha! My Lola's partly Chinese but too bad, I didnt inherit her kuripot trait. She's sooooo good in saving money! I want to be like you and her when it comes to savings and investments. Boy oh boy how much I want to be like both of you...

hi,gud day 2 u..love 2 read ur posts,aw!..i really didn't think so that you're that good (in ur studies) but you have just prove ur worth being an athletic scholar and at the same time a dean's lister..amm, is that really the way atenista are? somekind serious in terms of studies? hehe, i'm thinking 'bout robi domingo and charo soriano..so much 4 that..hehewell, no doubts being a tiu..hehe, chinese are really like that..hmm, see you soon in the coming UAAP, hoping the eagle's get the winning spirit again.good luck!!!

"I always look forward to riding the Jurassic Park ride"Jurassic Park is a pretty nice ride..LOL. i actually got scared after the first ride.. it was because i wasn't expecting that steep drop in the end right after the dinosaur scare..

anyway,just saw your blog from charles' blog..so i took some time to read them, very interesting indeed.. i also wanted to say hello. how are you?? haha. hope you still remember me...

COOL!Lucky enough [ haha you had that golden chance to see NBA players wew ;) ]It’s really cool =DAnyway, I am an avid fan of basketball [ but my sister always tells me that I should QUIT it daw and the bad part is I don't know what's the reason to quit it ( I'm young pa raw for that, urggh whatever)! grr =S The more she tells me that I must quit it, the more I seek for it hehe ;) ]How I wish: I can see Tim Duncan in person B).Anyway, Good luck po.

i really didn't know that you had a sprain not until i read it from one of your comments.. hehe.. nice pics. from universal studios..

playing in pbl or not, you would still be great! it's you who really know what's best for you, just do what you think is you have to do.. oh, and by the way, i added you to one of my links, is that okay with you?.. if not i'll just remove it..

hi, i'm hapi to read new post from you, i hope that you keep on posting again to update your fans specially me. i hope your ok, cause i heard that you had sprain. mr tiu can i ask something, are you planning to go in acting?

Hey! It's me again. Sorry for being so curious. When you shoot the ball, you tend to play with your tongue. What's up with that?? Is that for good luck?? I will wait for your reaction, response or whatever you can say about my inquiry.

chris... so how are you.. by the way i heard that you are going to join the PBl draft after the UAAP.. so good luck abd hope that the team that will pick you would be able to showcase your talent.. as far i remember, aside from noosa and harbor, one team is very interested to you.. okay, enough of that, i know this are not your priority right now..

i watch both of your games in Fil oil and NSL.. its okay that you loss over DLSU, but Congratulation that you make it in the semis in the NIKe sUMMER league.. it's part 2 of ADMU-DLSU, i'm expecting that you would win that game..

and good luck also on tuesday vs Adamson in Filoil quarters.. actually, they improve a lot.. they are not the same team that carry 2-12 record last year.. so good luck and GOD BLESS

30% of the price eh? That's actually the thing that I love the most about in the States, during Holidays you get the best deals ever! It's a good thing that you enjoyed your visit. I'm hoping that I'd enjoy my visit in Asia as much LoL. I really have no idea what to expect!

Hi Chris! Wow! I never thought that for someone as well off as you are, you are very practical. That is very nice to know. Actually, pareho tayo when it comes to food. I do not scrimp when it comes to food. I make sure to eat at a fancy restaurant at least once a week or every other week. And, guilty ako when it comes to shopping. I can't help it! Lalo na when I see something nice at Zara (which is my favorite store nowadays). I don't think there's anything wrong with pampering yourself once in a while. Goodluck to Team Ateneo Basketball at this year's UAAP and we hope to see more of you on TV! =)

Ooh. I saw some of your Yachting in Long Beach pictures. (in Yuri`s multi:D)You look gorg all the wayyy. :>and woa.I can`t believe you really like Jay Chou. :| :> Cool, though. :D I mean, yeah, Jay Chou is love. and his songs are so cool.:P

its funny cause i left the states the day that you guys left.:) but i rode a different airplane.:P i heard that the plane you guys rode were full of Ateneans.:D my friend, who was also in your plane saw lots of Atenistas.:D

the Blue Eagle's popularity actually reaches the US.:) my cousins...who were born and raised in the US, were just thrilled when they saw you guys. HAHA!

today wasn't the best day. i wasn't productive. the day was generally boring. i wasn't able to do my exercise routine because my body seems to be very tired even if i wasn't doing anything. i haven't even taken a bath. i was looking for something to do. for some reasons i cannot explain, i entered chris' blog. i actually don't like basketball neither do i know the players who shoot the ball. so, i was amazed that i hopped into a basketball hearthrobs site not knowing that this isn't about basketball. Chris is just so intelligent. I could not reach the level of his thinking though i must admit that his blog really inspires me. some people have told me things about him, that he is 'gwapo' and all that other stuff, the usual basketball player things. what i did not believe was when one of my classmates said that he is really smart. well, i was wrong. because more than being smart, i can say that he is close to what others call perfect. his blog is just so cheerful that he encourages you to do better. the thing that he said about riding roller coasters is just so wonderful. at his stature right now, he doesn't really care admitting that he find it hard doing what other just-for-see guys would do even if they knew they'd have a hard time after riding those. i just simply adore his sense of self. his passion. and i think that he is a very good example to everyone, especially to those who aspires being in the basketball line. i'd love meeting this guy. i think that he's a really great guy.

hi! i'm not a fan of basketball and sorry hvent watched any of ur game just knw that ur a very good player in ateneo.got interested in you cause you also like jay chou i'm an avid fan of him and it excites me that a celebrity here in pinas also likes himjust had jay chou's autograph in hk, haha! hpe that we can go tgether in his cncerts, haha!do u already hve his caricorn album? just tell me i have an extra.